gated entry, stone house house, modern stone house, metal roof, prairie style, wood door , glass garage doors, black windows, 2 story kitchen , modern pool

Photographed by Kyle Caldwell

The Elliott Bay House is located on an urban site facing Puget Sound in Washington State. The architectural massing of the house has been wrapped around a south-facing, courtyard dominated by a large reflecting pool with two “floating” basalt boulders. The main living space has sweeping westerly views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. The east side of the living space is the courtyard with reflecting pool, providing a sense of intimacy and quiet in contrast to the dramatic views on the west side. Similar to other FINNE projects, a strong sense of “crafted modernism” is present in the house. A water jet-cut steel fence and gate leads to the house entry. Stainless steel stands elevate the basalt boulders in the pool so they hover slightly above the water’s surface. Roof drainage from the living space drops onto the basalt boulder in a 10-ft. waterfall. Exterior siding is custom stained red cedar with two different patterns and colors. The striking steel and wood stairs have water jet-cut steel railings with a pattern based on hand-drawn ink brush strokes. The beech interior cabinets have a custom topographic milled pattern called “imaginary landscape.” Freeform steel lighting bars in the ceiling tie together the kitchen and dining spaces. The house is highly energy efficient and sustainable. All roof drainage is directed to the reflecting pool for collection. The house is insulated 30% higher than code. Radiant heating is used throughout; generous glass areas provide natural lighting and ventilation; large overhangs are used for sun and snow protection; interior wood is FSC certified. The house has been pre-wired for photovoltaic roof panels, and an electric vehicle charging station has been installed in the garage.

Varying sized slats give this clean and simple gate extra dimension

Ipe hardwood and stainless combination Photo--Steve Sherritt

This small inner city residence get a modern landscape update from front to back. The front garden design included the use of low, stone clad columns and an iron rail fence to help separate the public street from the private residence. Clean, simple lines between the lawn area and planting along with the use of ornamental grasses create an inviting entry to the property. The new stainless steel front door acts as the focal point and sets the tone for the use of stainless steel in the rear garden. The rear garden features a modern cooking and dining area complimented with a conversation seating area complete with built-in seating, linear fire pit, planters, overhead shade structure and cable wire railing. The deck steps down to a lower grassed area for the family pet and entry to the garage. A decorative modern fence provides a screen to the rear alley and surrounding neighbors while new trees were added to soften up the landscape and provide added shade.

OES | Carport posts reworked to have more delicate profile; concrete walls meet the perforated steel fence panels to create layering and contrast

OES | Driveway with concrete pavers, crushed limestone, native plants, and custom rolling entry gate made of perforated steel

Dallas small yard - beautiful modern pool project with outdoor living and a putting green designed by Mike Farley. Pool is surrounded by a safety fence. FarleyPoolDesigns.com

An existing home on Hunts Point was in need of a landscape renovation. SCJ Studio transformed the existing, uneven and small pool terrace from “afterthought” to an expansive outdoor amenity oasis with a built in gas firepit, ipe deck on a single level, and included a new privacy fence, raised corten steel planters and dramatic lighting. A new side garden with play lawn for the kids included raised cedar planting beds, crushed granite steel edged walkways, lighting and thoughtful planting. Photo: Andrew Webb

Environmental Construction Inc. - Kirkland, WA

Courtyard with views to Saratoga Passage beyond. Photography by Lucas Henning.

Near the gate there is an illuminated house number and a letterbox with an integrated video intercom.

Full height glass tile and polished resin upper cabinets create a clean, bright look in the kitchen.

Ultra-tec Stainless Steel Cable Railing by The Cable Connection